John Warner "announces" he WILL run for reelection

In a letter to incoming Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Virginia's senior Senator John Warner wrote:

"I have decided to devote my full time to [national] security responsibilities in the Senate and the demands of a vigorous and challenging reelection campaign."

According to the article which will appear in today's Richmond Times Dispatch, Warner seemed to "frame" a possible 2008 election run when he wrote:

"Such dedication of my time will allow me to continue focusing on Virginia's and America's priorities in the area of national security, and to campaign for the Senate."

Warner explained that an underlying factor in his decision was the fact that Virginia Democrats have won three out of the last four statewide races. The only exception being the 2002 race for Warner's seat (there was no Democratic challenger).

While the headline for the article might read:

"J. Warner hints of intent to run again
Letter indicates he's 'strongly considering' bid for his sixth term"

I'll say that "intent," and "strongly considering" are the WRONG words. It's obvious to anyone reading his words that Warner has already decided that he WILL be running in 2008.

The article also mentions that Warner intends to defer seeking the senior Republican post on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.